House Energy and Commerce Committee to be chaired by industry champion

House Energy and Commerce Committee to be chaired by industry champion

Congressman Fred Upton, R-Mich., a champion of the auto industry, has been named chairman of the House Energy and Commerce Committee for the 112th Congress. The Energy and Commerce Committee is one of the most powerful committees in the House of Representatives. It has the largest non-tax jurisdiction and oversees a wide range of issues that affect the health, safety and commerce of the American people. Importantly, it is the lead committee on nearly all matters that impact the auto industry and has direct oversight of the Department of Transportation and the Environmental Protection Agency, which regulate safety, fuel economy and auto emission standards.

Rep. Upton had been the preferred chairman candidate of all the major auto industry associations. He was first elected to Congress in 1986 and most recently served as Ranking Member of the Energy and Commerces Subcommittee on Energy and the Environment. He also has a long history as a moderate member of the House.